The television series The Summer I Turned Pretty was filmed in multiple coastal and urban locations that helped define its breezy, romantic atmosphere. While the story is set along the East Coast, much of the outdoor scenery was captured in real coastal towns that offer dramatic ocean views and charming streetscapes.
Producers chose a blend of recognizable small-town streets and scenic shorelines to bring the fictional town of Cousins Beach to life. These locations provided the waterfront boardwalks, family homes, and sunset viewpoints that shape the series’ visual identity.
| Location | Region | Key Feature in The Summer I Turned Pretty | Street or Spot Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lunenburg | Nova Scotia, Canada | Primary coastal town representing Cousins Beach | Lunenburg Historic Waterfront |
| Liverpool | Nova Scotia, Canada | Harbor and family home scenes | Liverpool waterfront and harborside streets |
| Halifax | Nova Scotia, Canada | Urban interiors and downtown shots | Downtown Halifax production offices and interiors |
| Crystal Crescent Beach | Nova Scotia, Canada | Beach and shoreline sequences | Crystal Crescent Provincial Park |
| Point Pleasant Park | Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada | Cliffside views and sunset scenes | South End boardwalk and lookout areas |
Filming in Lunenburg: The Heart of Cousins Beach
Colorful Streets and Harbor Atmosphere
Lunenburg provided the main backdrop for the fictional Cousins Beach, with its bright storefronts and layered pastel architecture. Crews used both wide shots of the harbor and narrow alley scenes to convey the town’s walkable charm. The layered history of the port town aligned naturally with the nostalgic tone of the series.
Boardwalk Sequences and Crowded Festivals
Specific stretches of Lunenburg’s boardwalk were closed or adjusted to accommodate cameras and lighting rigs used during festival episodes. Local businesses coordinated closely with production to minimize disruptions while still welcoming visitors curious about the show. These segments helped translate the crowded energy of a summer carnival to screen.
Liverpool and Surrounding Shores: Family Scenes and Quiet Mornings
Residential Streets and House Fronts
Family home exteriors were shot in Liverpool and neighboring areas, where tree lined streets and quiet harbors created a softer, more personal backdrop. Production worked with homeowners to adjust parking and access while respecting neighborhood routines. The result is a set of locations that feel intimate yet cinematic.
Sunrise and Dusk Shooting Windows
Early morning and golden hour windows were scheduled carefully around ferry schedules and natural light conditions. Photographers and gaffers used the calm water surface to reflect sky colors and add depth to wide lenses. These hours defined much of the show’s warm, dreamy color palette.
Halifax Urban Interiors: Offices, Restaurants, and Streets
Production Hubs and Interior Stages
Inside Halifax, production offices coordinated permits for street filming, café scenes, and bookstore interiors. Local crews handled logistics for parking, equipment storage, and access routes. This behind the scenes structure kept the shoot stable even during busy public hours.
Street Level Shots and Public Interaction
Walk and talk sequences were planned to blend naturally with pedestrians and cyclists in downtown Halifax. Extra coordination with local authorities helped manage crowd control and signage. Viewers see this balance in scenes that look spontaneous yet remain safe and organized.
Crystal Crescent Beach and Coastal Landscapes
Nature Driven Framing
Wide frames of Crystal Crescent capture sweeping dunes, tidal pools, and shoreline paths used for contemplative walking scenes. Production limited impact on the protected area by sticking to existing trails and boardwalks. The untouched look on screen relies on careful adherence to park rules.
Weather Windows and Contingency Plans
Unpredictable coastal fog and shifting clouds required flexible scheduling and backup indoor scenes ready to shoot. The team monitored marine forecasts for hours to time key emotional moments with clearing skies or dramatic clouds. This preparation ensured consistent mood across episodes.
Key Takeaways for Viewers Exploring the Show’s Geography
- Lunenburg forms the visual core of Cousins Beach in The Summer I Turned Pretty.
- Liverpool provided neighborhood streets and harbor views for family centric episodes.
- Halifax handled interior urban scenes and organized street level logistics.
- Crystal Crescent Beach and coastal parks delivered the sweeping shoreline moments.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which towns in Nova Scotia were used as primary filming locations?
Lunenburg and Liverpool served as the main on ground towns, representing the fictional Cousins Beach and hosting most exterior neighborhood scenes.
Were any beach scenes filmed at Crystal Crescent Beach?
Yes, Crystal Crescent Beach provided shoreline sequences, walking paths, and dune shots that were critical to the show’s coastal identity.
What urban locations in Halifax supported the production?
Halifax supplied downtown streets, cafés, and interior sets for offices and private homes, allowing the series to shift seamlessly between public and private spaces.
How did the production manage local logistics and community impact?
Coordination with town councils, businesses, and residents ensured that filming respected local routines while still capturing high quality footage.